Raising Hearts to Remember

On Saturday, July 24, 25 folks, which included parishioners of St. John the Divine, Maple Ridge and members of communities from around the Lower Mainland were brought together by Kerry Baisley, Missioner for Indigenous Justice, Diocese of New Westminster and the Reverend Laurel Dahill, vicar of the parish. The gathering provided a space where the participants learned about Indian Residential Schools and then created needle felted hearts to recognize and honour the more than 200 children whose remains were found in unmarked graves on the site of the former Residential School in Kamloops.  

The felted hearts are one part of a larger collaborative project that commemorates all the children who did not return home.  The intention of this project is that it is to be a vigil to run during the process of identification and repatriation for however long that takes. The process of creation aims to bring together communities, strengthen awareness of residential school history and provide a space where people can explore what reconciliation means personally. More will be said about the project as the process develops. The next gathering is scheduled for August 28 at St. John’s. If you would like more information about participation please contact Kerry Baisley, Missioner for Indigenous Justice by email at kbaisley@vancouver.anglican.ca

IMAGES

•  A display of completed hearts
• The materials table
• Rev. Dahill demonstrates technique
• Kerry coaching
• Close up technique
• Completed hearts
• More completed hearts
• In order to be involved in reconciliation it is very important that people educate themselves about residential schools through the many resources (books, films, TV series) that are available
• A table with ceremonial items

PHOTOS: Lisann Gurney